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Spalted Maple and Ebony
"Pua" Series

In the Hawaiian language the word "Pua"- amongst other things - also means flower blossom. Floral forms have been a long time influence and inspiration for me dating back to my early years growing up in Hawaii and more recently with my travels through Thailand and Southeast Asia. Having the right material makes it fairly simple to inspire me to create pieces such as this floral form, and trying to pull that shape out of piece is the difficult part. I believe this raw material sat in my shop and in my pile of wood for about 18 month.  It was retrieved from a potential firewood pile in the Bellevue area of Pittsburgh with the help from a dear old friend, thanks Leon.
 
Yes, this piece was primarily turned on a wood lathe and embellished later while going through the drying process, including carving, grinding and sanding.  A piece of Ebony was turned and carved to depict a bud or ovary of the flower to complete the facsimile of this floral form. Concern for me in working with this material and floral form is wood movement, grain structure, and proper orientation, and, lastly, finding it a good home. Pua # 4 and designated base is finished with multiple coats of clear non-yellowing lacquer. The latest of my favorite children is available.